LaKea Jones, who started 109 games for VCU from 2004-08 will return to the Siegel Center as an assistant coach with NJIT when it takes on the Rams at 2 p.m.

Jones was one of former VCU Coach Beth Cunningham’s first signees and became the Rams’ starting point guard for four seasons. Although she wasn’t a flashy player, Jones’ steady hand guided a young VCU team that included future pros Quanitra Hollingsworth and Krystal Vaughn as it rose to prominence.

As a senior in 2007-08, she helped the Rams to their first-ever trip to the Colonial Athletic Association Championship Game. The Fort Washington, Md. native handed out seven assists in that contest and VCU held an eight-point halftime lead before the Monarchs rallied for a 71-64 win. The Rams later reached the second round of the WNIT and finished with a 26-8 mark. Jones averaged 4.2 points and finished second in the league in assists per game (4.7) that season.

Jones ranks third in school history with 424 assists in 121 games.

Following her graduation, Jones spent one season on the staff of former VCU Assistant Bryan Whitten at Mount Saint Mary’s. Jones also worked at Southeast Missouri State for one year before joining NJIT (6-5) prior to the 2010-11 season.